This weekend, we celebrate a special day in the church as three children will take their First Communion. Kay, Cole, and Theo have prepared for this day over the past few months. Many in the Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion, and worldwide Christian community do not practice a formal First Communion, as they see Baptism and Communion go hand in hand. This is the normative practice in the Episcopal Church and no child is obligated to wait, but many parents find the practice of First Communion to be a special one, as it helps their child to understand this Sacrament. An instructed First Communion offers time for children to reflect, learn, and grow in their faith. So even if they’ve taken Communion already, it’s another opportunity for children to experience what it means to be a Christian.

It was a blessing to journey with these children and teach them more about the faith and especially what the Eucharist means and why it is central to our service. For us Episcopalians/Anglicans, we view the Eucharist not as a mere memorialization of the Body and Blood but affirm the “Real Presence” of Christ within these elements. Again, this bread and this wine are more than mere bread and wine but offer for us a true, spiritual and material connection to the Body of Christ, united with Jesus Christ and each other. That is why I find First Communion to be so important. It helps us take a step back and really see and understand what we are doing and what we are consuming when we approach the altar rail.

In the class, they were able to get to know one another better. We read some Bible stories that pertained to sharing meals and being together as well as learning what the word Eucharist means. In one class, we explored the sacristy and sanctuary learning all about the different parts of a Sunday service along with learning more about vestments. At our last official meeting, the children baked the bread we will use on Sunday. That was a blast to do with them! On the day of this First Communion, Kay, Cole, and Theo are blessed to, as the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer (pg. 860) says, “[strengthen their] union with Christ and one another…[for] the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.”

Credit and gratitude are also due to Sue McInnes and Fr. Duncan, as they also taught alongside me and led me through my first time teaching such a class. Thanks be to God for Kay, Cole, and Theo and their families!

In Christ,

Fr. Zach

This Sunday, April 7th, join us in congratulating the following children on their First Holy Communion:

Theodore Catlan

Cole Holland

Catherine Ann Riddle

Wednesdays at 4 pm & 6 pm

Meet us by the Heckscher Museum of Art in Heckscher Park in Huntington for a walk in the park. Movement is a key component of "Whole Health," a way of self-care, and a chance to take steps towards your personal sense of peace and well-being.

Saturdays at 10:00 am in the Guild Room

Gentle Mat Yoga Classes with Parishioner Alice Weiser (E-RYT-500) - We are offering gentle yoga classes to quiet the mind and stretch and strengthen the body. All are welcome; modifications will be offered for different levels. Please note: in addition to standing, students will explore poses while seated, on hands and knees, and laying down. Students should be able to comfortably lower to and rise from the mat. Please bring a yoga mat and any other props you like to use (yoga blocks, strap, blanket). Fee: $15 for parishioners, $20 for non-members. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to St. John’s. Questions: please contact Alice Weiser at aliceweiser@mac.com. 

For the 2nd concert of our inaugural season, the “Jazz Connections” series at St. John’s welcomes the Jazz Loft All Stars, a quintet of stellar musicians and bandleaders, teaming up for this special performance of selections from the Great American Songbook. A “Cinco de Mayo” style reception will follow. Discounted pre-sale tickets will be sold at Coffee Hour starting from Sunday, April 7th and online. JAZZ LOFT ALL STAR TICKETS

Quarterly Stewardship Statements will be going out next week. Please log in to your OnRealm account to make sure your pledged giving is up to date by March 31st.

If you need help logging in or setting up your OnRealm account, please contact our Parish Administrator, Coral Freas, in the office, (631) 427-1752, ext. 101.

HOPE Ministries is continuing to collect toiletries as well as other needed items for HIHI.  Please place your items in the box in the rear of the church. Here is a list of what is most needed:

Bible Study* meets regularly on Mondays at 6:30 pm on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83373971746) and Tuesdays at 11:00 am in person in the Guild Room. The material covered each Monday evening will be covered on the following

Please reach out to Fr. Zach with any questions, (631) 427-1752, ext. 105.

On Wednesdays, the church is open from noon to 1 pm for noonday prayer which starts at 12:15 pm. All are welcome.

We have started a new prayer list in the Easter Season (April 7 - May 12). Please send your prayers or updates to prayers@stjohns1745.org, call Coral in the Parish Office, 631-427-1752, est. 101, or click on the link below and complete the online form:

PRAYER LIST FORM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ST. JOHN'S CALENDAR

Notices for events to run in the Chalice, to post on the website and social media must be received by the Parish Administrator by 9:00 am on Tuesdays prior to publication.